At midnight

When the clock struck midnight, beautiful fireworks went off all over Pueblo.  We entered into the New Year of 2023. I have a hunch all the excitement was evidence of hope that this year will bring in better things than the last.

What will 2023 bring?  One thing I do know is that earnest hope can only be materialized when one is trusting GOD, having come to HIM through the LORD JESUS CHRIST.

We know GOD has preset all times and places for things to happen (Acts 17:26b, Acts1:7) and we know that HE did it for a reason.  Acts 17:27 tells us that reason was so that people would reach out to HIM.  With that in mind, why do you suppose HE chose the particular time HE did for JESUS to be born?

When the fullness of the time had come, GOD sent forth HIS SON.  Galatians 4:4

What could be the reason the timing of JESUS’ birth is referred to as the fullness of time by GOD?

History shows us that centuries before JESUS CHRIST was born, Alexander the Great conquered most of the known world, bringing with him the Greek culture and trade language.  When he died, the Roman Empire picked up where Alexander left off and expanded the territory under the unifying influence of culture and the trade language of the Greeks plus made roads to connect the empire. It was under the rule of Rome that conditions were made ready for the spread of the gospel across 3 continents through good roads, territorial boundaries free of “passport” restrictions and the use of the unifying trade language-(Kione Greek which is the most precise language ever).  It was under this Roman rule, at the perfect time when GOD had put all the pieces in place for the spreading of the Gospel of JESUS, that HE sent HIS SON for the intent that people could reach out to JESUS, find HIM and be saved (Acts 17:26-27).

At that time JESUS came into the world, lived, loved and was crucified.  There the blood of CHRIST was shed for all men. But only those who call on the name of the LORD are saved (Romans 10:9-10, 13).

Today, like back then. GOD has synchronized everything and has prepared in advance good works for us believers in JESUS to walk in (Ephesians 2:10). Anyone who sees or hears the news knows, we live not just in a time of quickly expanding knowledge, but also an unstable and turbulent time with mobs and rioting, food and gas shortages, wars and a distrust of governments worldwide besides the trashing of GOD’s moral values and ensuing unrestrained degrading self-indulgence and foolishness. 

Like many other believers in JESUS, I long for the Rapture when JESUS will come and take us who have chosen HIM out of all this evil.  Yet until then, there is a reason for us to be here and I want to do all GOD has for me to do.

GOD has chosen you and me to live in this time and place.  HE has done it for a reason.  I know that for a fact, because HE has said that HE does nothing without a cause (Ezekiel 14:23).  I wonder as we enter into the New Year of 2023 to what specific assignments HE brought us to where we are at for such a time as this?

I don’t know the details, but I do know without a doubt it is to give lost (unbelieving) people more opportunities to reach out to HIM and be eternally saved before it is too late.  I know that without a doubt for the GOD who cannot lie (Titus 1:2), has declared that HE has preset all times and places for that very purpose (Acts 17:27).

I rejoice in the privilege to serve GOD here and now yet as I see the growing evil and apostasy I yearningly cry out, “Even so come LORD JESUS!”

Hugs

Sharon

The New Year

No matter where you are or what you face, turn and look to JESUS the author and finisher of our faith Hebrews 12:2.

“Now the GOD of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing (JESUS loves you and GOD is in control) so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT.” Romans 15:13  

hugs

Sharon

Are you ready for a change?

We have been waiting for all this virus business to be over. Waiting is not fun especially when it goes on and on and on!

Waiting is not fun! GOD gave me a promise a long, long time ago.  It still hasn’t come to be.  From time to time the accuser will whisper in my ear, “It’s not going to happen you just conjured the whole thing up by wishful thinking.  GOD really didn’t say.”  At those times I run to the throne and GOD calms my spirit with assurances.

One time when I went to the throne with Satan’s accusations, GOD spoke instantly and clearly, “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which has great recompence of reward.  For you have need of patience (you need to wait), after you have done the will of GOD, you will receive the promise” (Hebrews 10:35-36).

Some have vocalized to me doubts concerning the promise that JESUS may come at any moment to gather us who believe in JESUS away to be with HIM that we may be wherever HE is (John 14:2-3, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 2 Thessalonians 2:1).  They say along with the scoffers of 2 Peter 3:3-4 that people have been talking of the end times for 2,000 years, where are the signs of HIS coming?  For eyes who are willing to see, they are everywhere.

Way back in the Garden of Eden GOD promised the woman to send a Redeemer (Genesis 3:15).  That hope was passed down from generation to generation.  Some assented to that truth but in reality didn’t expect to see it happen.  Although 1,000s of years had passed some clung to the hope of that Promise GOD made.  Old Simeon was one (who the LORD promised that he would see the Messiah before he died- Luke 2:25-35) and Anna, a prophetess, was another who looked for(Luke 2:36-38) and clung to the promise of GOD to send a Redeemer.

Then, one quiet night in Bethlehem JESUS, the Redeemer, was born.

In the same way we are promised that JESUS will appear in the heavens and gather HIS believers to HIMSELF (2 Thessalonians 2:1).  It can happen at any moment.  For only two things must occur before that happens: 1-the last gentile to believe must accept JESUS as LORD and 2-the last one assigned to be a martyr must die (Revelations 6:10-11). Only GOD knows when, for only HE knows who they will be.

GOD is not willing that any of US, we who will accept JESUS as LORD, to perish (2 Peter 3:8-9).  Since the Antichrist cannot come to power until the restrainer (the HOLY SPIRIT) leaves (2 Thessalonians 2:6-8)being the HOLY SPIRIT indwells every believer in JESUS that means HE cannot leave without taking us with HIM.  So we can be confident that JESUS will gather us/ catch us up /rapture believers up to meet HIM in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) before the 7 year Tribulation told of by both Daniel and John (in the book of Revelation) begins.

GOD has foretold that HE will bring judgment, pour out HIS wrath, to avenge HIS servants and make atonement for the land where innocent blood was spilled throughout the world (Deuteronomy 32:43). That is what is called the 7 year Tribulation.  Simultaneously, will be the last week (7 years) of judgment on the Jews for their idolatry before they are forgiven and given a place of honor during a 1,000-year reign of CHRIST (Daniel 9:24-27, Revelation 20:2-5).

After that will be an explosion (2 Peter 3:10-12, Revelation 20:9-10), then the reserved a day for judgment for THOSE who are willingly ignorant and have refused the love of the truth (2 Peter 3:7, 2 Thessalonians 2:10, Revelation 20:11-15).

Believe me, compared to what lies ahead for unbelievers, Covid-19 and the new strains are nothing.  So be sure you know JESUS. 

All who call on the name of the LORD will be saved ( Romans 10:13).

JESUS is LORD and HE will reign forever for after that last judgment comes the new heavens and earth and sin will not raise up again.

What do ye imagine against the LORD? HE will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time (Nahum 1:9)

Hugs

Sharon

new beginnings

Sometimes we see people ensnared by the lies of the enemy and it breaks our hearts.  But the steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, HIS mercies never come to an end, they are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23).  And there are new beginnings.

To reach the struggling and the lost we enter into front-line battle with the devil for he wants to defeat us and keep them enslaved.

Since we are fighting a battle we cannot see, spiritual warfare against spirits, what must we do personally to prepare?

Galatians 5:16 walk in the SPIRIT and go with HIS nudges

Ephesians 6:10-18 and putting on the armor of GOD

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (What seems to be the key here?) The battle is in our mind for our thoughts (for thoughts lead to action) and strongholds are lies against GOD, stating HIS way is wrong.  I find the best way to fight is to take every thought to JESUS!

2 Timothy 2:25-26 Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that GOD will grant them the repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do HIS will.

What are the 2 things GOD instructs us to do to reach the lost and hurting?

Gently instruct—be patient, humble, teach and correct.   Pray with expectant Hope that GOD is working in their hearts

Step 1: What must GOD do before a change can come?

Let them see HIS side of the situation (turn their eyes to the truth- repentance means to turn around 180 degrees and have a change in the way you see something)

Step 2: What does step 1 produce in the one who opposes?

An awareness/a knowing of the truth

Is that the same as accepting the truth?

No, you can know and turn away from the light of the truth, or you can seek to walk in that light.

An example of this Felix the Roman ruler over Palestine trembled as he heard the truth.  He understood all to well what it meant, but he flatly refused to walk in the light and stopped Paul’s preaching Acts 24:25

Step 3: What does that term come to your senses mean?

It is when one accepts the truth that GOD’s way is right

Step 4: Now is a time for choice, what is that choice and who must initiate it? A person must want out of the snare of the lies he has believed and be willing to give up what the lies gave him.

If the choice is to leave the snare of the sin that has entangled him, can anyone stop him?

no, but it may be hard, very hare. It means holding on to and verbally speaking the truth aloud over and over at first.

What can we pray for those we know who have left the truth, or never came to know it?

Romans 8:26 that the HOLY SPIRIT pray for that one according to GOD’s design for their life.

Acts 16:14 That GOD open his heart to the truth.

Philippians 3:15 that GOD reveal the truth to that one.

2 Timothy 2:25-26 that GOD give him repentance (a clear seeing of the truth), a knowing the truth (understanding how that works in his life), a coming to his senses (a reaching out for that truth for himself) and a deliberate determination to leave the trap and the lies of the enemy.

Do you have someone you know who needs to escape the snare of the evil one.  There are several I know and last night prayed those verses above for them.  This morning before dawn one of them was at my door and was open to hear and even asked me to write down some verses that she could take and study and use.  Isn’t GOD faithful to hear and act on our cries!

There are new beginnings and like desert after supper, GOD often saves the best until last.

Looking unto JESUS the Author and Perfecter of my faith.(Hebrews 12:2)

Hugs

Sharon